Plastic

RECOUP's latest survey finds 78 per cent of English councils not yet collecting plastic film at kerbside intend to start by the Simpler Recycling deadline, but almost half are targeting the final day itself and end market confidence is low.

University of Edinburgh researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to convert waste PET plastic into L-DOPA, the frontline treatment for Parkinson's disease, in what they describe as the first biological process to produce a neurological therapeutic from plastic waste.

Stable policy and targeted financial incentives are key to unlocking private capital for flexible plastics recycling infrastructure.

Ecosurety and RECOUP white paper warns low virgin prices and high energy costs could see majority of remaining UK plastic reprocessing infrastructure lost by 2030.

University of Glasgow study finds fibres present in 62.5 per cent of dipper broods in Scotland and Spain

Environmental network outlines dual-budget EPR model and interim circularity fund ahead of EU Circular Economy Act.

UK Government approves Welsh Government’s divergence with conditions including extended transition period to October 2031

Alliance for Plastic Waste proposes dedicated recovery facilities as film recycling economics remain unproven

Consultation response confirms time-and-materials charging scheme takes effect from 3 February 2026

Welsh Government proposes three fee mechanisms to shift estimated £15m litter cost to producers

Eight European associations call for transition period and repeal of two-day advance notice requirement

Over half of Welsh local authorities now meet 70 per cent statutory target following largest annual increase since 2015-16

New brand icon depicting bottles and cans transforming into coins will appear on all in-scope drinks containers